Obituary of Narendra B. Shah

Narendra B. Shah, a devoted family man and trailblazer, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. Born on September 24, 1939, in Chopda, India, Narendra’s life journey spanned many continents and decades, marked by hard work, sacrifice, a sense of humor, and profound love for his family.

Narendra spent his early years in India, residing in Pune for nine years, Ujjain for 14 years, Ratnagiri for two years, and Gondar, Ethiopia for six years. Despite significant poverty and adversity, he eventually earned both his undergraduate and master's degrees at Vikram University. These early years were very difficult, but they laid the foundation for a bright future that he would painstakingly build for his loved ones.

In 1971, Narendra took a bold step by immigrating to the United States, leaving behind his family in pursuit of a better life. He settled in Passaic, New Jersey, where he initially worked as a factory worker at Manhattan Rubber. He also worked other jobs (truck driver, real estate agent) tirelessly to secure a home and sponsor first his wife and 3 children to join him in the United States in 1973. His selflessness extended beyond his immediate family, as he then helped numerous other relatives emigrate from India, affording them the opportunity to pursue a brighter future in America.

As the first of his family to emigrate from India, he was a true pioneer for the Shah/Gujarati family diaspora in the U.S.  He and his wife Sushmita housed, fed, and financially supported many of them for extended periods after their arrival, thereby enabling them to save money, and secure employment in order to strike out on their own.  As such, his legacy is one of kindness and generosity that will be remembered for generations by his extended family and all who knew him.

Driven by his determination and a strong work ethic, Narendra eventually secured a position as an accountant at Meldisco in Hackensack, New Jersey, from 1973 to 1974. His career progressed, and he went on to serve as a business administrator in finance at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, from 1975 until his retirement in 2006.

For 38 years, Narendra resided in Passaic, New Jersey.  After retiring in 2006, Narendra relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he spent eight years before moving to Warren, New Jersey, where he lived for the past four years. Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending cherished moments with his extended family and grandchildren, international travel (visiting 6 continents), investing in the stock market, gardening, and engaging in home improvement projects.  Despite being a finance professional by trade, Narendra also became quite the handyman, learning to fix cars and do carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.  In fact, he was even gardening and cutting small trees up until the week before he passed away.      

Narendra was predeceased by his loving parents, Bhagwandas Purshotamdas Gujarati and Gangaben Bhagwandas Gujarati.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sushmita Shah, and his three children, Mamta Shah, Manoj Shah and his wife Ami Mehta, and Milind Shah and his wife Shauna Williams. He was a proud and loving grandfather to five grandchildren: Aiden, Ajay, Sonia, Nina, and Kiran, who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Narendra is also survived by his seven siblings, Ranchhod Gujarati, Leela Gujar, Laxman Gujarati, Subhash Gujarati, Dinesh Gujarati, Lata Shah, and Alka Shah, who have been pillars of support throughout his life.  Until the end, he kept in touch regularly with his siblings and many cherished nephews and nieces in the US and India. 

Narendra's life was a testament to the power of perseverance, grit, love, and dedication. His impact on his family and community will be felt for generations to come.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in his name to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, which afflicts one of Narendra’s beloved grandchildren (Ajay).  To donate, please go to: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/